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Review Highlights
“I've tried the Ava Gardner and it tasted so delicious with the jasmine tea flavor where I barely tasted the alcohol.” in 68 reviews
“The space is wide open but dimly lit, with red velvet, lots of tables and cushioned booths against the wall.” in 30 reviews
“My go to drink is the yellow kid because I'm a lightweight and cannot handle most of their other cocktails.” in 46 reviews
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- Mar 23, 2014Updated review
A few updates:
- Arrive before 9pm on weekend nights and you can definitely score a table for a medium sized party. Otherwise be prepared to stand with drinks in hand.
- Prices per cocktail have gone up by $1-2 :(
- Quality of drinks are a little inconsistent due to different bartenders; one cocktail would be sweet while another identical drink order would be too bitter.
- Service seems more efficient now and we all got our drinks in a timely manner.
I will always enjoy coming here (am still a regular!), but these are just a few changes I've noticed in my past couple of visits.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Feb 25, 2013Previous reviewThis is a fun, classy location to meet up with friends or to relax after a day at work. When I have a group of 6 or more people, we call beforehand to make a reservation for a table.
DRINKS
- You definitely get more than a buzz after downing one cocktail here. And for $10/cocktail, this is a pretty decent price in SF
{YELLOW KID} gin, dill allspice syrup, dry vermouth, lemon juice, Velvet Falernum, and Fentimans ginger beer. If you like sweet and tart drinks, then this one is perfect for you. It reminds me of a Lemon Drop, but with carbonation due to the ginger beer.
{FIDEL & CHE} white rum mixed with Aperol, yerba mate syrup, mint leaves, and soda water. I'm a huge fan of mojitos and they did not skimp on the mint, yum!
Clearly they make good drinks because I ordered three and don't remember what my last one was. My friends who like more stiff drinks said their drinks were made well too.
SERVICE
- Make a reservation if you have a large party. It's much more relaxing to sit back at a table and enjoy your drink with friends than to awkwardly juggle your glasses in a corner.
- My party arrived a little early and the hostess was nice enough to say that they are getting our table ready. When we said we wanted to add a couple extra members to our group, they were happy to oblige us.
- Bar is admittedly a bit slow, especially during weekend evenings. My friends and I took this opportunity to sit around our table to catch up instead.
ATMOSPHERE
- Be as casual or classy as you want. I saw couples on dates that were more dressed up, however, my group of friends came in with jeans and sweaters and we were equally welcomed.
- I loved the editorial theme here--newspapers as menus and typewriters as decorations. It was so quaint! Definitely a throwback to the 20s, especially with jazz music playing. This is not the type of bar where you'd hear Katy Perry blasting over the speakers.
If you're in the area, come, drink, and be merry! I plan on making this a regular meet-up spot in SF.
** UPDATE: guys, you have to be a bit classier! A male friend was denied access because he had sandals on. Good thing he had a backup pair of shoes on him. - Carole-Anne D.Benicia, CA21123Sep 13, 2024
My fiance has been talking about this bar that's located under Market Street forever and we finally went last week!
We went on a Friday night and were able to find free parking nearby easily.
We were able to get a table right away as the place was not too busy. I ordered a margarita and my fiance an espresso martini.
Both cocktails were delicious especially the espresso martini, so much that I ordered another one.
We loved the live music, the band was fantastic and it was not too loud.
We were a little bit disappointed that there was no food available, as we were hungry but we still had a great time.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 11103506Sep 10, 20241 check-in
Delicious drinks! I loved my martini, but I can't remember what it was called.
Service was very fast. The space was nice as well, but we weren't fans of the country music. We might come back depending on who is playing that night.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Helena W.Castro Valley, CA0175Jul 18, 2024Seated via Yelp Reservations
We love Local Edition! Make sure to make reservations to get a table along the wall, as it fills up quickly. The ambiance is fantastic, with great music and a fun atmosphere watching the dancers. We've been twice on jazz nights and absolutely loved it.
The waitstaff are friendly and attentive, contributing to the casual and comfortable vibe of the place. You'll see a range of attire, from people in swing outfits to very casual dress, which adds to the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Local Edition is definitely a spot worth visiting for a fun and memorable night out!Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - 55408222Sep 13, 20241 check-in
I really like the layout of this place, you go downstairs to a basement bar. The mezcal-based drinks I had were great & around $16 or so each (mixologist bar after all). They had some good music too, which I was unaware of until entering. The service at the bar was prompt and the wait wasn't long at all. There's a decent amount of seating too. The music and layout is what's going to have me return in the future.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Isabella S.San Francisco, CA52820165Sep 15, 2024
Super cool atmosphere. Good drink collection. Grab a few friends and have a great time.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 9386373May 12, 2024
We went here on a Sunday because we were looking for a Jazz Bar, that was the description on their listing online but we were already inside and we were in the mood for fun and live music.
They performers where good but I wouldn't say the same for their drinks and seating area.Helpful 3Thanks 1Love this 1Oh no 0 - 83418May 27, 2024
...A Timeless Experience... A Night at Local Edition...
Nestled in the heart of Union Square, Local Edition is a hidden gem that transports you back to the Prohibition era of San Francisco. Tucked between LensCrafters and T-Mobile, its discreet entrance is easy to miss. However, once you find the small door and are greeted by the friendly security guard, you'll feel like you're stepping into another world as you descend the staircase.
At the bottom of the stairs, you're greeted with an ambiance that perfectly captures the spirit of the 1920s. Dim lighting, vintage decor, and bartenders clad in era-appropriate uniforms create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and enchanting. Every detail in Local Edition is a piece of history, offering a unique blend of education and indulgence as you learn about the Prohibition era while sipping on their progressive drink offerings. Drink prices are decent for the expertise and craftsmanship the bartenders put into each.
The decor is a highlight, with each element thoughtfully chosen to reflect the period. From antique typewriters to historic newspaper clippings, the bar feels like a living museum. This immersive experience is enhanced by the bartenders, whose flair and personality add to the charm. Their suspenders and classy uniforms are a hit, adding a touch of authenticity and elegance. Which I can appreciate fully.
On certain nights, the stage comes alive with performances that add to the venue's allure. Having attended a few, I can confidently say that the entertainment is top-notch and never disappoints.
When it comes to drinks, Local Edition delivers excellence. My go-to is the Local Edition's Old Fashion, which is always spot-on... with the perfect balance of bitters. My friends have enjoyed various Manhattans and other cocktails, and while I can't recall all their choices, I can assure you that every option on the newspaper copy-like menu is a winner. Did you catch that? ;)
Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot, a cozy place to catch up with friends or coworkers after work, or a venue for some musical entertainment, Local Edition has it all. With its top-notch drinks, historical decor, and inviting atmosphere, this place is a must-visit. Step back in time and enjoy an evening at Local Edition--you won't be disappointed.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Jan 26, 2024
Went bar hopping with a friend. Stop 2. Bar is downstairs. Great vibe. Great drinks. I enjoyed my tequila sunrise. Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums were playing. Fantastic! People can listen to music , dance , drink - kind of felt like being in the 1920s!
Definitely a great local spot. Can be crowded but you can get lucky getting a table or you can stand and enjoy the music and vibe of the place.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 17563156Nov 18, 2023
One of my favorite bars in the city! Immediately when you walk in, you notice the unique interior decor of typewriters and newspapers and lots of seating with booths and high tables. There's dim lighting which adds to the whole ambiance. The showstopper for me was the live band though; I love any live music and Local Edition always has the best musicians who play songs that are lively but not too intense, which fits my ideal music preferences for a night out. When I went, there was amazing jazz and it set the mood perfectly.
There's a large variety of drinks (the rosebud cocktail was so good and had just the right amount of sweetness) and the menu is super fun and creative (basically a mini newspaper with all the fonts and writing too!). Perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friendsHelpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0
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